Maxillaria Orchid Care Guide

Maxillaria is one of the largest orchid genera in tropical America, ranging from big clumping plants to tiny, mat-forming miniatures. The species we grow come from Brazil, and they are among the most forgiving orchids in our range: they tolerate cool winters, flower freely and recover well from the occasional lapse in care.

What they are

Most Maxillaria are epiphytes with pseudobulbs, each carrying one to three leaves. Flowers are produced singly on short stems from the base of the pseudobulbs, often many at once on a mature plant. Some species, such as M. porphyrostele, form tidy clumps; others, such as M. paranaensis (often sold as M. juergensii), creep and branch into mats or climb.

Potting and mounting

Clumping species grow well in pots of medium bark with a little perlite. Choose a pot that allows a year or two of growth without leaving a large volume of wet mix around the roots. Creeping and climbing miniatures do better mounted on cork or tree fern, or in a small hanging pot or basket – such as an air-root net pot with hanging hook – where new growths can wander over the edge.

Watering

Water regularly from spring through autumn, letting the mix approach dryness between waterings. Ease back in winter, particularly in cool weather, but do not let pseudobulbs shrivel. Mounted miniatures need watering much more often than potted plants – daily in warm weather.

Light

Bright filtered light. Most species flower more freely in good light; the leaves should be mid-green rather than dark.

Temperature

The Brazilian species we stock are cool to intermediate growers. M. porphyrostele accepts winter nights down to around 5°C if kept on the dry side, and both species are comfortable in a Dandenong Ranges shadehouse or unheated glasshouse with frost protection. In summer, shade and airflow keep them growing through hot spells.

Humidity and airflow

Moderate humidity of 50–60% suits potted plants; mounted miniatures need more, and a fine mister helps on hot days. Good air movement helps prevent rot and pests.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced orchid fertiliser at half strength every second watering during the growing season, and reduce in winter.

Repotting

Repot in spring as new roots appear, when the mix has broken down or the plant has outgrown its pot. Large clumps can be divided into sections of several pseudobulbs.

Common problems

• Shrivelled pseudobulbs: too dry for too long, or root loss from a waterlogged mix.
• Few flowers: usually not enough light.
• Mottled, dull leaves: check the undersides for mites, especially in hot, dry weather. Raise humidity and treat if needed.

For more on the species we grow and why their names keep changing, see growing Brazilian Maxillaria in Australia.

Browse our current range of Maxillaria orchids, including the species covered in this guide.